Fatal NTSB investigations
180,658 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,636 accidents, the rest incidents and other occurrences. Each has NTSB’s narrative and, once the investigation is done, its probable cause; since 2008, its findings and sequence of events.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal' ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB LAX90LA212Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRolladen-Schneider LS-3A · Vacaville, CAThe pilot's inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC90FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Bethel, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an emergency landing following an engine power loss. The loss of engine power was due to an improper fuel selector position which resulted in fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to…NTSB SEA90FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Susanville, CAAn improper inflight decision on the part of the pilot when he misjudged the aircraft's climb in close proximity to rising terrain.NTSB LAX90FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-33 · Paso Robles, CAUndetermined.NTSB FTW90DPJ08Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportDe Havilland Venom 112 MK4 · Muskogee, OKThe pilot's premature rotation and the subsequent stall. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.NTSB LAX90LA158Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Phoenix, AZThe pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB MIA90LA139Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Caribbean SeaUndeterminedNTSB LAX90LA208Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26B · Truckee, CAThe pilot's improper decision to release from the tow airplane at an insufficient altitude on the lee side of the mountains.NTSB BFO90FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Onego, WVVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain adequate clearance (altitude) from mountainous terrain. The terrain and adverse weather conditions were related factors.NTSB SEA90FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Tacoma, WAThe pilot did not adequately maintain a proper glide path for landing which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree.NTSB DEN90FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Dillon, COImproper planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the high density altitude and terrain conditions.NTSB CHI90FA146Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Gaylord, MIThe pilot's inadequate airspeed, while maneuvering (turning) after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/mush. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's improper planning/decision, failure to maintain weight and balance limits, and adverse wind…NTSB FTW90DPJ06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportStits SA-3A Playboy · Bartlesville, OKAn inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI90FA145Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-140 · Wadsworth, OHThe failure of the certified flight instructor and the dual student to maintain a visual lookout during the final approach to the airport.NTSB BFO90FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Gaithersburg, MDFailure of the pilot to extend the landing gear, which resulted in a wheels up landing; his improper decision to attempt a go around (aborted landing) after the airplane contacted the runway; and his failure to attain or maintain adequate airspeed while…NTSB MKC90DPG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAero Commander S-2R · Alicia, ARThe pilot's failure to maintian airspeed during the turn to reverse direction for a swath run.NTSB DEN90FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Longmont, COThe pilot continued into hazardous weather conditions.NTSB ATL90TL#02Accident · 1 fatalClass 3Final reportHughes TH-55 · Brantley, ALNTSB BFO90FA050Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 114 · Anawalt, WVFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude and clearance above the terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, mountainous terrain, and low ceiling.NTSB NYC90FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Rome, PAAn inflight loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, and his decision to make the flight after receiving three separate briefings where he was told 'VFR flight not recommended.'NTSB MKC90LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRollins-Bowers FLY Baby 1A · Bemidji, MNThe wing attachment bolts were not installed resulting in inflight wing separation.NTSB SEA90FA086Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell Commander 114 · Atlanta, IDPoor preflight planning premature lift-off on takeoff by the pilot in command.NTSB MKC90MA115Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Naylor, MOThe pilot's failure to activate the pitot heat before flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) above the freezing level, followed by his improper response to erroneous airspeed indications that resulted from blockage of the pitot tube by…NTSB ATL90FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHispano Aviacion HA-200 · Tuskegee, ALImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain altitude and clearance above the terrain, while perfoming low altitude, inverted flight. Factors related to the accident were: the lack of visual perception to the pilot at dusk…NTSB ATL90FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Canton, GAThe intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions by the non-instrument rated pilot.NTSB ANC90FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AKPilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience.NTSB NYC90DHA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Hunlock Creek, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obtacles, and his failure to see and avoid the electrical transmission line.NTSB ATL90FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Griffin, GALoss of engine power for an unknown reason. The presence of trees in the emergency landing area was a related factor.NTSB ATL90FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Highland, NCThe pilot's attempted VFR flight in IMC. Factors in the accident are the pilot's inaccurate weather evaluation and poor in flight decision.NTSB SEA90LA081Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Kelso, WAFailure of the pilot to keep the external load clear of obstacles (trees). Factors related to the accident were: failure of the pilot and ground crewman to follow safety procedures, and the proximity of the trees.NTSB CHI90FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 114 · Willoughby Hill, OHFailure of the pilot to follow the IFR procedure and to identify the decision height (and/or make a timely missed approach). The adverse weather was a related factor.NTSB ATL90FA115Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Frankfort, KYThe pilot's failure to operate the aircraft within the center of gravity limitations of the aircraft.NTSB SEA90FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA226-T(B) · Coeur D'Alene, IDInadequate coordination between the pilot and the ground lineman. A factor related to the accident was: impairment of the ground lineman from consumption of alcohol.NTSB LAX90FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Strawberry, CAThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight in a confined mountain pass area which was in instrument meteorological conditions; and the pilot's inflight loss of control while attempting a course reversal in the narrow confined canyon.NTSB CHI90FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · East Lansing, MIThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control while flying in clouds during an instrument approach. Factors were: instrument meteorological conditions, self-induced pressure, operation with known deficiencies in equipment, and anxiety/apprehension.NTSB BFO90FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-3 · Capon Bridge, WVInadequate visual lookout by the pilots of the DC-3, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid the powerlines. Factors related to the accident were: the obstruction (transmission wires), and the lack of visual cues for the pilots.NTSB LAX90LA182Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Goleta, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors which contributed to the accident were the dark night and the pilot's lack of night flying experience.NTSB LAX90FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Salinas, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain while attempting visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Self induced pressure to adhere to the proposed flight route in instrument meteorological conditions was a factor.NTSB LAX90FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · San Diego, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed use of flaps.NTSB LAX90DUM02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCunningham Prescott Pusher · San Diego, CAEngine failure due to mechanical failure of he internal components to the engine.NTSB NYC90FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Numidia, PAInflight collision with trees while attempting to maintain visual reference with the ground in instrument meteorological flight conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the flight in deteriorating weather conditions in an…NTSB NYC90FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Shirleysburg, PAPilot incapacitation due to a heart attack.NTSB LAX90FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Carmel Valley, CAThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and improper climb.NTSB NYC90GA105Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportBellanca 17-31A · Davis Park, NYThe airplane impacting the water at a high speed for unknown reason(s).NTSB NYC90DHJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportToussaint/Quad City Challenger II · East Moriches, NYFailure of the unlicensed pilot to maintain airspeed on final approach, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of flight training, experience, and qualification.NTSB MIA90FA118Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Mayaguez, PRThe pilot's failue to conduct proper preflight preparations, resulting in a takeoff at 175 pounds over maximum allowable gross weight, with full flaps extended, and on the improper runway for wind conditions which resulted in the airplane being unable to…NTSB BFO90FA045Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Shady Grove Cor, VAVFR flight by the non-instument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his loss of aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft, while recovering from an uncontrolled…NTSB ATL90FA111Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206 · Liberty, NCA loss of engine power due to improper repairs to, and inadequate inspection of, the induction air box. The night light condition was a contributing factor.NTSB DEN90DTK01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-36-375 · Woonsocket, SDFailure of the pilot of N3634E to follow the briefed plan of operation, and failure of both pilots to see-and-avoid each other (inadequate visual lookout).NTSB SEA90LA076Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-125 · Rogerson, IDThe pilot's intentional flight below safe altitudes while engaged in low-altitude 'buzzing' activities.